Metroid Prime: Federation Force Preview

Shown off to wide criticism at last year’s E3 show, Metroid Prime: Federation Force has laid low until it was properly shown off in the last Nintendo Direct. At that time the game was given a “late spring” release window. Many expected it to launch in June, but it appears the game may need a little extra time in the oven or that Nintendo of America has decided to spread out some of its upcoming releases.

No matter the reason, the 3DS game now has an official release date and is now scheduled to come out on August 19. Those attending PAX East this weekend can get some hands-on time with the four-player co-op mode.

[Original Preview]:

Last year when Nintendo showed off its E3 lineup, many gamers, including myself, got extremely excited to learn about a new Metroid Prime game. It’s no secret that the original Prime is one of my favorite games of all time. As the initial reveal continued, my hype deflated as it became obvious this wasn’t the game I had been yearning for. Indeed, it seemed that Nintendo had slapped me across the face with the Animal Crossing: amiibo Festival trailer, and gut punched me with Federation Force.

Now, that’s to say I was in the camp of self-entitled petitioners who fought to have the game cancelled, despite knowing next to nothing about it. No, I might have been disappointed to not see Metroid Prime 4 or a new 2D side-scroller, but I knew then, as I know now, that the team behind this game has made some good games in the past. I really enjoyed Luigi’s Mansion on 3DS, so I’m willing to give the developers the benefit of the doubt until I can actually try the game myself.

Now, today Nintendo showed off some new footage of the game for the first time since last year’s awful misstep of an unveiling. It doesn’t look vastly different from the first time it was shown, but this time Metroid Prime series producer Kensuke Tanabe took the time to explain his vision behind the creation of the game and I must admit it does sound like it could be really fun. I especially like the idea of RPG elements making their way into the game and I look forward to playing through the game with friends. Of course, it remains to be seen whether the game will feature voice chat, like Metroid Prime Hunters did way back in 2005. I hope it does, as a co-op game can be frustrating without it (I’m looking at you, Tri-Force Heroes).

Federation Force is scheduled to come out in late spring, most likely in June. Nintendo promises to update us with more videos that will go in-depth on the features of the game prior to release. I’m hopeful the game will end up being a fantastic, albeit different, entry in the series. That doesn’t stop me from wanting Metroid Prime 4. Be sure to watch the second video for information straight from Tanabe.

Craig has been covering the video game industry since 1995. His work has been published across a wide spectrum of media sites. He’s currently the Editor-In-Chief of Nintendo Times and contributes to Gaming Age.